Learning is our central purpose and we set high expectations and have a deep belief in every student to learn and to achieve high standards.

Our students are the centre of all learning and we aim to provide them with a continuous learning journey where they will be engaged in a varied curriculum with relevant learning experiences and a wide range of learning tools.

Our learning programs aim to develop and open minds and with a seamless Early Learning to Year 12 environment, they have a lifetime of education, in the one location.

Academically, 99% of our graduates from the last year have entered either tertiary education, apprenticeships, traineeships or employment.

2. Welfare: Your child will be safe, secure and supported

At John Paul College we recognise that building character is as important as developing intellect. We have created an inspiring social and emotional learning environment which equips our young people with the skills needed to take advantage of the opportunities and rise to the challenges of our ever-changing world. Our Positive Education Programme helps every student to understand and develop their unique character strengths the same way that they study every other subject. They learn how to apply these to their studies, sport and cultural pursuits.

All students participate in our co-curricular program and we know that they feel a greater sense of belonging and have a higher self esteem when they take part in structured sporting, performing arts and other activities. In addition, the co-curricular opportunities we provide make for a more motivated and engaged group of students, which leads to a happier and more cohesive school.

The benefits of co-curricular activities have been extensively researched and students who participate develop higher academic results, better relationships at school, and are more likely to continue on to higher education.

4. Ethos and Values: We look out for each other

We believe our ethos is felt from the heart and is reflected in our Motto – Unity, Christ, Learning.

For the past 36 years we have continued to develop an exceptional learning environment which provides each and every one of our students with the best possible education and sends them into tomorrow as confident, committed and compassionate members of the global community.

Our diverse learning community flourishes within and outside of our campus.

Our values of acceptance, respect and inclusion are our primary focus and our cultural and religious differences are welcomed and celebrated. Every student has the right to explore their faith through the eyes of Christian ecumenism. Students are challenged to think about their relationship with Christ and are encouraged to live by the values taught in the Bible.

5. Pride and Belonging: Our students take pride in wearing the “Burgundy and Blue”

Our students have a strong sense of pride and belonging, enjoy learning and are challenged and engaged. These young people will work in occupations not yet created, use technology not yet invented, however, will be able to draw upon the strong foundations and values that will always be part of our College’s strong ethos.

6. Our Teachers: We will teach your child HOW to think, not WHAT to think

Our teachers have an in depth knowledge of their teaching areas and a wide understanding of the students in their care. They know the learning styles, interests, family environment and what makes our students tick. They encourage students to accept responsibility for their own learning and teach them how to become lifelong learners, thus setting them on the path for success after their schooling has finished.

Our environment is safe and secure and our staff and students teach and learn from each other as sustainability practitioners—and then take that learning into the wider world. Our sustainability program enhances the learning, thinking and research capacity of our students and ensures that they will take their places comfortably and successfully as positive contributors and leaders in the rapidly changing world of the 21st century.

8. A Supportive Community: We are a partnership

We also have high levels of parent and community involvement and believe it is our responsibility to communicate effectively with our parents about the nature of learning and our expectations of their children. We know that the quality education we offer comes from a real partnership between the parents, students and the teachers.

As the second largest employer in Logan City, we see ourselves as an important part of our local community. We are involved with business and community leaders and have established a number of partnerships to advance our educational goals and enrich our students’ learning.

9. Visit us in Person

Finally, whilst all of the above is important, we encourage prospective families and members of our community to take the time to visit us in person.

It is when you attend one of our Open Days or take a personal tour and meet our students and staff and speak with other parents, that you will experience our true “feel,” our culture, and what makes us the John Paul College family.

By visiting our beautiful campus you will witness first-hand the dignity and poise of our students and you will leave understanding our beliefs, ethos and values and the aspirations we have for each and every one of them.

This is one of the main reasons people choose us – and why they stay.

10. Future Choices

To help our students make their vital pathways decisions, they are guided by the staff from our Careers Development Centre.

Our Head of Learning – Careers and Pathways and our Employment and Training Manager are fully qualified career professionals who offer a variety of services.

These include individual career counselling sessions, career testing and assessment and work experience as well as class and year level lessons on career topics.

Whether our students are destined for further study, a traineeship or employment, our staff will help them choose the appropriate pathway to achieve success.

Career choices commence in Middle School

Students of all ages are able to access this service and formal preparation for career choice commences in Middle School (Years 7-9) when students undertake a careers unit as part of their pastoral care program.

To guide career and study choices, our students are encouraged to identify what they are good at and what they enjoy doing, investigate different types of careers and then research the steps they need to take to get there.

Year 10 is “crunch time” and students choose their subjects and complete a careers “Module of Work” during Term 3 to support this process. Their program is designed to prepare students for the pathway options through Years 11 – 12 and to provide the opportunity for them to:

learn through a wide variety of subject choices;

investigate course options for Years 11 and 12;

excel in areas of strength and consolidate learning in areas of weakness.

Years 11 and 12

Students choose from a range of Year 11 and 12 pathways in order to achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education.

Every Pathway leads to a Future Career

We offer our students a wide variety of senior study pathways and our Careers Development Centre is crucial in assisting them to explore the opportunities available and plan their future careers.

University Entrance

The Overall Position (OP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and a variety of Vocational Education options prepare students directly for university entrance. While each of these pathways is different, they ALL provide students with excellent opportunities to extend their education at a tertiary level and achieve their desired career outcomes.

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications are available through the “Partnerships with Schools” program where students may undertake VET qualifications at either the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE (MSIT) or trade-based qualifications at Skills Tech Australia.

John Paul College is also a Registered Training Organisation and students may elect to undertake a variety of VET courses at the College.

All VET courses provide a high level of real world employability skills and the opportunity to work towards completing a nationally recognised qualification.

School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Students interested in pursuing careers in trades or related service industries may wish to take up the option of undertaking a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SAT).

This pathway allows students to study four days a week on a reduced workload of five subjects. The additional day is spent in the workplace, undertaking paid employment.

Students have the opportunity to gain valuable industry based experience and also work towards completing a nationally recognised qualification.

University in Year 12

The Griffith GUEST, QUT START and UQ Enhanced Studies programs enable select students the ability to study a university subject as part of Year 12.

Students enrolled in this program are able to complete their senior studies over three years instead of two – allowing them greater time to concentrate on their particular specialisation without compromising their academic achievements.

This program is offered to exceptional athletes and performers on the basis of application to specific selection criteria and interview.

Support Network

A full time network of support personnel, including Heads of Years, Chaplain, Counsellors, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Learning Enhancement teachers is also available to support our children in their pursuit of academic excellence.